How I dealt with hot flashes and menopausal migraines

by Marlena
(Lake Park)

My menopause symptoms included horrific migraine headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular, then disappearing, menstruation. Although I did have headaches prior to menopause, their frequency and severity increased as menopause advanced. At one point over a couple of years, they were accompanied by nausea and would put me in bed for three days at a time.

Headache drugs, notably Imitrex and Zomig, were the only thing that would cut through the headaches. As menopause receded, I have found over the counter remedies, particularly Excedrin, that work most of the time.

Zoloft has been invaluable for reducing hot flashes and normalizing my moods. It has also been helpful in reducing the headache frequency and symptoms. I still take a very low dose of this drug: without it, I become weepy, but with more of it I stop caring about things I really need to accomplish or give attention.

My doctor has recommended Vitamin D therapy along with calcium and magnesium. These supplements keep me more limber, and I also have no signs at all of osteoporosis. Vitamin D is also apparently helpful for my mood and general happiness.

I do not know whether it is a feature of menopause or just life in general, but I also find drinking alcohol has lost much pleasure for me. It is more likely than it used to be to make me nauseated, give me the spins, or leave a horrid aftertaste.

Even a glass of champagne at a wedding can really upset my system now. So I have found it helpful not to drink much at all. If I have a drink, it needs to be something that does not have this problem with aftertaste for me.